We have a powder coat system here at work and often have customers walk in with parts to have them powder coated. Many of these parts are manufactured from cast aluminum and have been exposed to oil and grease (intake manifolds, valve covers, timing chain covers, etc.). Although all the parts are run through a 3-stage wash (iron phosphate, rinse, sealer)and then through an oven (350F degrees), after the powder is applied in the curing process, oil leeches out of the pores in the aluminum and ruins the finish. We don't have this problem with new cast aluminum parts, only used ones.

My question is this: If we were to bake the parts at, say, 450F degrees for approximately an hour after the wash cycle to coke the oil and grease, would the strength of the aluminum be comprimised?

Also, I am open for any other suggestions to help our customers receive a quality finish. If anyone else here has had experiences with refinishing used aluminum parts, lemme hear it!

Thanks,